Mucus Loss Research Articles

Panaxynol improves crypt and mucosal architecture, suppresses colitis-enriched microbes, and alters the immune response to mitigate colitis.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an idiopathic inflammatory disease of the large intestine, which impacts millions worldwide. Current interventions aimed at treating UC symptoms can have off-target effects, invoking the need for alternatives that may provide similar benefits with less unintended consequences. This study builds on our initial data, which showed that panaxynol-a novel, potent, bioavailable compound found in American ginseng-can suppress disease severity in murine colitis. Here we explore the underlying mechanisms by which panaxynol improves both chronic and acute murine colitis. Fourteen-week-old C57BL/6 female mice were either given three rounds of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water to induce chronic colitis or one round to induce acute colitis. Vehicle or panaxynol (2.5 mg/kg) was administered via oral gavage three times per week for the study duration. Consistent with our previous findings, panaxynol significantly (P < 0.05) improved the disease activity index and endoscopic scores in both models. Using the acute model to examine potential mechanisms, we show that panaxynol significantly (P < 0.05) reduced DSS-induced crypt distortion, goblet cell loss, and mucus loss in the colon. 16S Sequencing revealed panaxynol altered microbial composition to suppress colitis-enriched genera (i.e., Enterococcus, Eubacterium, and Ruminococcus). In addition, panaxynol significantly (P < 0.05) suppressed macrophages and induced regulatory T-cells in the colonic lamina propria. The beneficial effects of panaxynol on mucosal and crypt architecture, combined with its microbial and immune-mediated effects, provide insight into the mechanisms by which panaxynol suppresses murine colitis. Overall, this data is promising for the use of panaxynol to improve colitis in the clinic.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In the current study, we report that panaxynol ameliorates chemically induced murine colitis by improving colonic crypt and mucosal architecture, suppressing colitis-enriched microbes, reducing macrophages, and promoting the differentiation of regulatory T-cells in the colonic lamina propria. This study suggests that this novel natural compound may serve as asafe and effective treatment option for colitis patients.

Differential analysis of intestinal microbiota and metabolites in mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis

Intestinal micro-ecological imbalances impair the intestinal barrier and induce intestinal inflammation, for example, ulcerative colitis (UC). According to the latest research, abnormalities in intestinal microbiota structure and their metabolites play a dominant role in UC progression; in addition, they could affect the mucus barrier based on different factors. Although numerous studies have confirmed the important role of intestinal microbiota in UC pathogenesis, the intricate connection between microbiota and metabolites and mucus barrier in UC occurrence remains unclear, and correlation analyses of differential microbiota and their metabolites under UC are relatively scarce. To reveal the differential intestinal microbiota and metabolites in UC pathogenesis and explore more sensitive biomarker compositions. We used the antibiotic combination method to establish intestinal pseudo-aseptic mice; afterward, dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was applied to establish an acute experimental colitis mice model. Colitis severity, assessed based on disease activity index, colorectal length, colorectal wet weight, and histological lesions, and mucus-related staining (mucopolysaccharide alcian blue and immunofluorescence of mucin), was compared between the pseudo-aseptic and bacterial colitis mice. Finally, differential intestinal microbiota, metabolites, and their association and correlations, were analyzed by 16s rDNA sequencing in combination with non-targeted metabolomics, through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Compared with the pseudo-aseptic mice, intestinal bacteria positive mice were more severely ill and their intestinal mucus loss was more pronounced in DSS-induced colitis (P < 0.05), suggesting that different microbiota and metabolites could cause the different degrees of colitis. Subsequently, we observed that in addition to Klebsiella, and Bacteroides, which were widely associated with colitis, Candidatus Stoquefichus, Anaerobiospirillum, Muribaculum, and Negativibacillus may be involved in protection against colitis. Furthermore, differential metabolites of the microbiota were mainly enriched in the synthesis-related pathways of key structural sequences of mucin. In combination with the mucin-related staining and immunofluorescence results, the findings indicate that the differential microbiota and their metabolites potentially regulate the composition and function of mucus under colitis. Microbiota and their metabolites are major factors regulating the composition and function of mucus, in turn influencing the function and structure of intestinal mucus barrier under colitis. The different microbiota and metabolites identified in the present study could be novel biomarkers for colitis.

Drag reduction mechanism of Paramisgurnus dabryanus loach with self-lubricating and flexible micro-morphology

Underwater machinery withstands great resistance in the water, which can result in consumption of a large amount of power. Inspired by the character that loach could move quickly in mud, the drag reduction mechanism of Paramisgurnus dabryanus loach is discussed in this paper. Subjected to the compression and scraping of water and sediments, a loach could not only secrete a lubricating mucus film, but also importantly, retain its mucus well from losing rapidly through its surface micro structure. In addition, it has been found that flexible deformations can maximize the drag reduction rate. This self-adaptation characteristic can keep the drag reduction rate always at high level in wider range of speeds. Therefore, even though the part of surface of underwater machinery cannot secrete mucus, it should be designed by imitating the bionic micro-morphology to absorb and store fluid, and eventually form a self-lubrication film to reduce the resistance. In the present study, the Paramisgurnus dabryanus loach is taken as the bionic prototype to learn how to avoid or slow down the mucus loss through its body surface. This combination of the flexible and micro morphology method provides a potential reference for drag reduction of underwater machinery.

Antioxidant responses and pathological changes in the gill of zebrafish (Danio rerio) after chronic exposure to arsenite at its reference dose

Gill, as the organ of fish to contact most directly with xenobiotics, suffered more threat. To evaluate the impact of arsenite (AsIII) on the gill of fish, we measured the antioxidative responses (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities) and oxidative damage (malondialdehyde (MDA) content), histological changes and mRNA transcriptional responses of zebrafish gill, after exposure to AsIII (0, 10, 50, 100, and 150μgL-1) solutions for 28 days. We found that AsIII increased the activities of CAT by 46%-87%, decreased the activities of SOD and the contents of MDA by 19% and 21%-32%. Furthermore, CuZnSOD and MnSOD mRNA transcription levels were also inhibited, decreasing by 62%-82% and 70%-77%. Besides, ≥ 100μgL-1 AsIII also caused histological changes (a loss of mucus and desquamation in the surface of the epithelial cells) on zebrafish gill. These results showed that low concentrations of AsIII influenced biochemical and physiological performances of fish gill, which probably aggravates the toxic effect of AsIII on fish.

P155 THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF OPS-2071 ON HEALING OF T CELL-MEDIATED COLITIS, A MURINE MODEL OF CROHN’S DISEASE, WITH ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY

Abstract Background Crohn’s disease (CD) is a form of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although CD is an immune-mediated condition of unknown etiology, many studies suggested that abnormal immune responses against certain intestinal bacteria may trigger development of chronic inflammation. The T cell-mediated colitis model is a well characterized adaptive transfer murine model of chronic small bowel and colonic inflammation that resembles human CD (e.g., diarrhea, a heavily inflamed colon, loss of mucus from goblet cells, Th1/Th17 dominated cytokine profile). OPS-2071, a novel agent synthesized by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, has broad and strong antibacterial activity with low systemic absorption. In this study, we have evaluated the therapeutic effect of OPS-2071 on murine T cell-mediated colitis and in vitro activity on T cell activation, cytokine production and antibacterial activity. Methods T cell-mediated colitis was induced via naive T cell (CD4+CD62L+CD44-) injection into T and B cell deficient recipient mice. Two weeks following T cell transfer, OPS-2071 or vehicle solution was administered orally for 3 weeks, followed by harvesting of colon tissue and assessment of efficacy evaluation by histological score and inflammatory index (colon weight/ length). In vitro inhibitory action for TNF-α production was assayed by ELISA using LPS-stimulated human peripheral blood cells. The effect on T cell activation and cytokine production (TNF-α, IFN-γ), was examined using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and, mouse spleen which were stimulated by anti-CD2/CD3/CD28 antibody-loaded beads. In vitro activity against bacteria considered to be the cause of IBD was also tested. Results In the murine T cell transfer model, OPS-2071 significantly reduced both histological score (control: 9.2, OPS: 2.7, p&amp;lt;0.001) and inflammatory index (control: 54.7±2.2 mg/cm, OPS: 27.8±1.7 mg/cm, p&amp;lt;0.001) at a dose of 10 mg/kg. In the in vitro experiments, OPS-2071 suppressed TNF-a production produced by LPS in human whole blood dose-dependently. OPS-2071 also suppressed human and mouse T cell activation and cytokine production and suppressed T cell proliferation. At high OPS-2071 concentrations, these effects were comparable to prednisolone. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration against IBD related bacteria for OPS-2071, ciprofloxacin, and metronidazole were 0.015 - 0.5, 0.25 - 8, and 0.03 - &amp;gt;128 mg/mL, respectively. Conclusion OPS-2071 demonstrated significant therapeutic effects on colon inflammation in the murine T cell-medicated colitis model, suppressed TNF-a production in vitro and showed in vitro activity against bacteria related to CD. The dual effect of anti-inflammatory effects and antibacterial activity of the novel agent OPS-2071 demonstrated in this study, provide rationale for exploring the impact of this compound on human CD in clinical trials.

Influence of Landing Net Mesh Type on Handling Time and Tissue Damage of Angled Brook Trout

AbstractRecreational catch‐and‐release angling is a popular activity. Anglers often use landing nets to shorten fight times, reduce stress on the line and rod, restrict fish movement to facilitate dehooking of the fish, and protect fish from undue harm caused by handling or dropping. Landing nets are constructed using a variety of netting materials that could have varied consequences when coming in contact with fish. Salmonids are among the most targeted fishes in the world, but little is known about how landing nets contribute to postcapture tissue damage. We compared handling time and instances of fin fraying, scale loss, and mucus loss sustained by Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis landed by four net mesh types (i.e., large, knotless rubber mesh; knotless nylon micromesh; large, knotted polypropylene mesh; and small, knotless rubber‐coated nylon mesh) or by using bare wet hands in a recreational fishery. The knotted polypropylene mesh resulted in the greatest extent of fin fraying, whereas the bare wet hands method, knotless nylon micromesh, and rubber‐coated nylon mesh resulted in the most scale loss. Interestingly, extended handling times were noted for several mesh types (i.e., knotless nylon micromesh and rubber‐coated nylon mesh) relative to bare wet hands because of hook entanglement in the netting material. However, using bare wet hands to land Brook Trout resulted in higher odds of the fish being dropped into the bottom of the boat. We concluded that the large, knotless rubber mesh was the least damaging to Brook Trout. Changes to angler practices, such as using appropriate landing tools, can benefit fish welfare in catch‐and‐release fisheries.

Molecular characterization and pathogenicity of a virulent Acinetobacter baumannii associated with mortality of farmed Indian Major Carp Labeo rohita (Hamilton 1822)

Indian Major Carp Labeo rohita (Ham.) is the most preferred cultivable fish species under freshwater aquaculture in India. The present study was conducted to characterize the bacteria at molecular level and to understand its pathogenicity associated with mortality of farmed rohu, Labeo rohita. Diseased fish samples were collected from cultured ponds of Nadia, West Bengal, India for the isolation of the pathogen. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of the bacteria revealed that the isolate was 100% identical with Acinetobacter baumannii (NCBI Accession Number KT156752). Intraperitoneal injection with the isolate at the level of 2.1×108cells/ml in fish causes mortality. The challenged fish had loss of mucus and reddish lesion near the pectoral fin, however there was no sign in the gill. The histology of experimentally challenged Labeo rohita showed hemorrhages and shrunken glomeruli with densely basophilic nuclei in kidney whereas degenerated hepatic tissue and increased hepatocyte vacuolation in liver. This study underlines the first time involvement of Acinetobacter baumannii in the disease outbreak of Labeo rohita. The pathology and pathogenesis studies of this emerging pathogen in cultured carps would help in management of the outbreak of disease in aquaculture.

Relato de caso de parasitismo por Monogênea no peixe ornamental Polypterus palmas no Brasil

O mercado de peixes ornamentais agrega espécies numerosas de diversos lugares do mundo. A translocação de peixes ornamentais pode trazer consigo agentes patogênicos que representam risco para regiões indenes. O parasita Gyrodactylus, platelminto da classe Monogênea, apresenta como característica a rápida multiplicação. Espécies de Polypterus palmas adquiridos de uma quarentena credenciada para importação e mantidos em uma bateria de aquários em estabelecimento comercial varejista do Brasil apresentaram sinais de perda de muco e parasitas espalhados pelo corpo e globo ocular, perceptíveis a olho nu. Os animais foram removidos para aquários-hospital e tratados com Praziquantel, e os parasitas foram observados em microscópio ótico comum. Após análise microscópica, verificou-se tratar de Monogênea, sugestivo de Gyrodactylus spp. A bateria de aquários foi imediatamente tratada com Triclorfon em uma única dose como medida preventiva, o que se mostrou tóxico para algumas espécies de peixes. Estudos envolvendo condições sanitárias dos peixes ornamentais comercializados no Brasil devem ser desenvolvidos para elucidar a dinâmica de algumas doenças em diferentes espécies. A geração de novos estudos e a atuação de profissionais capacitados implantando sistemas de autocontrole sanitário é fundamental para a redução do risco da disseminação de agentes e para contribuir de forma significativa para a promoção da saúde e do bem-estar de peixes ornamentais.

Gastroprotective and antielastase effects of protein inhibitors from Erythrina velutina seeds in an experimental ulcer model.

Trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitors from Erythrina velutina seeds have been previously isolated by our group. In previous studies using a sepsis model, we demonstrated the antitumor and anti-inflammatory action of these compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the gastroprotective and antielastase effects of protein inhibitors from E. velutina seeds in an experimental stress-induced ulcer model. Two protein isolates from E. velutina seeds, with antitrypsin (PIAT) and antichymotrypsin (PIAQ) activities, were tested. Both protein isolates showed a high affinity and inhibitory effect against human neutrophil elastase, with 84% and 85% inhibition, respectively. Gastric ulcer was induced using ethanol (99%) in 6 groups of animals (female Wistar rats, n = 6). Before ulcer induction, these animals were treated for 5 days with one of the following: (1) PIAT (0.2 mg·kg-1), (2) PIAT (0.4 mg·kg-1), (3) PIAQ (0.035 mg·kg-1), (4) ranitidine hydrochloride (50 mg·kg-1), (5) saline solution (0.9%), or (6) no intervention (sham). Both PIAT and PIAQ protected gastric mucosa, preventing hemorrhagic lesions, edema, and mucus loss. No histologic toxic effects of PIAT or PIAQ were seen in liver and pancreatic cells. Our results show that protein isolates from E. velutina seeds have potential gastroprotective effects, placing these compounds as natural candidates for gastric ulcer prevention.

Dose–surface maps identifying local dose–effects for acute gastrointestinal toxicity after radiotherapy for prostate cancer

Background and purposeWe evaluated dose distributions in the anorectum and its relation to acute gastrointestinal toxicities using dose surface maps in an image-guided (IG) IMRT and 3D-conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) population. Material and methodsFor patients treated to 78Gy with IG-IMRT (n=260) or 3D-CRT (n=215), for whom acute toxicity data were available, three types of surface maps were calculated: (1) total anorectum using regular intervals along a central axis with perpendicular slices, (2) the rectum next to the prostate, and (3) the anal canal (horizontal slicing). For each toxicity, an average dose map was calculated for patients with and without the toxicity and subsequently dose difference maps were constructed, 3D-CRT and IG-IMRT separately. P-values were based on permutation tests. ResultsDose distributions in patients with grade ⩾2 acute proctitis were significantly different from dose distributions in patients without toxicity, for IG-IMRT and 3D-CRT. At the cranial and posterior rectal site, in areas receiving moderate dose levels (≈25–50Gy), dose differences up to 10Gy were identified for IG-IMRT. For pain, cramps, incontinence, diarrhea and mucus loss significant differences were found as well. ConclusionsWe demonstrated significant relationships between acute rectal toxicity and local dose distributions. This may serve as a basis for subsequent dose–effect modeling in IG-IMRT, and improved dose constraints in current clinical practice.

Factors associated with fecal incontinence in a nationally representative sample of diabetic women.

Fecal incontinence (FI) is a debilitating condition that significantly affects quality of life, and has been associated with multiple risk factors. Our goal was to assess the prevalence of FI among diabetic women and evaluate factors associated with FI in this population. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2010 was used to evaluate women with diabetes mellitus and FI. FI was defined as involuntary loss of mucus, liquid, or solid stool at least monthly. Severity was evaluated using the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index. Potential risk factors associated with FI were explored with weighted chi-squared statistics. Variables associated with FI in multivariable logistic regression analysis are reported with odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI). Among 7,039 women, 13.6 % were diabetic, and 18.1 % of diabetic women reported FI compared to 8.4 % in the overall NHANES population (p < .001). In diabetic women, FI was associated with advancing age (OR 1.3, 95 % CI 1.1 - 1.5), depression (OR 2.0 95 % CI 0.9 - 4.5), poorer health status (OR 1.9, 95 % CI 1.2 - 3.1), urinary incontinence (OR 3.5, 95 % CI 2.1 - 5.9) and bowel movement frequency of ≥21/week (OR 4.9, 95 % CI 2.3 - 10.6) in a multivariable logistic regression model adjusted for race, education level, BMI, comorbidities, prior hysterectomy, and stool consistency. FI affects one in five diabetic women and is strongly associated with high bowel movement frequency, a possible important modifiable factor that should be investigated further in prospective studies.

Phenotypic and molecular characterization and pathology of Flectobacillus roseus causing flectobacillosis in captive held carp Labeo rohita (Ham.) fingerlings

A new bacterial disease (flectobacillosis) caused by Gram negative, long rod shaped Flectobacillus roseus in captive held carp, rohu (Labeo rohita) in West Bengal, India is described. Besides the phenotypic and molecular characterization, histopathology of F. roseus of naturally infected and challenged rohu were studied. The affected rohu had loss of mucus and scale, discoloured body, peeled skin and rotten tail, but no signs of gill damage. On selective cytophaga agar, F. roseus produced pink to rose pigmented colonies. Phylogenetically, F. roseus RF1 formed a monophyletic branch with F. roseusEU921645 (96% sequence similarity) and Flectobacillus sp. KC588923 (94% sequence similarity). It caused significant mortalities in rohu when challenged. The naturally infected rohu showed epithelial disruption, inflammation and necrosis of skeletal muscle tissue accompanied by haemocyte infiltration. The kidney of challenged rohu showed proximal and distal tubule degeneration, necrosis, thickening of epithelial layer of proximal and distal tubules, necrotised haematopoietic tissue, nephritic tubule with widened lumen, vacuolation of tubular epithelium, glomerular congestion, desquamation, glomerulopathy with dilated Bowman's space, cellular and nuclear hyperprophy, pycnotic nuclei, melano-macrophage aggregates and granuloma-like inflammatory response. These results suggest that F. roseus can produce systemic pathology in kidney similar to many other known fish pathogens.

Introduction of VMAT, IGRT, and IMRT-Reduced Acute GI Toxicity in Prostate Cancer Patients

During the last decade new techniques with significant dose reductions to organs at risk in prostate cancer patients have been introduced. The purpose of this study is to determine to what extent rectal dose reduction has led to a reduction in gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity. Therefore we compared acute proctitis of Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) treated patients in our institution with previous data from IMRT and Image Guided IMRT (IG-IMRT), conventional 3D-conformal (3DCRT) and whole pelvic RT + 3DCRT (P+3DCRT).Acute proctitis is known to be a predictor for late GI toxicity (consequential effect). Patients with localized prostate cancer filled out identical questionnaires on bowel symptoms at baseline and during RT. We evaluated the items of blood loss, mucus loss, and diarrhea at week 6. Currently data of 33 VMAT patients(ongoing study) were compared to data of 109 IMRT/IG-IMRT patients,274 3DCRT patients and 227 P+3DCRT patients (Table). All patients received 10 Gy per week to the target volume in 2 Gy daily fractions (up to 60 Gy in week 6), except for the VMAT group who received 11 Gy / week in 2.2 Gy daily fractions (up to 66 Gy in week 6). We scored % with ≥1 and ≥2 complaints,and % for each symptom. At baseline, 4% reported mucus loss, 1% blood loss and 1% watery diarrhea (comparable between groups). At week 6 (median 39 days after start for VMAT and (P+)3DCRT and 42 days for IMRT), VMAT patients reported significantly less watery diarrhea (0%) compared to IMRT (12%, p = 0.04) and (P+)3DCRT(13%, p = 0.03).Reported blood loss was 3% versus 8% for IMRT (p = 0.3), 17% for 3DCRT (p = 0.04) and 21% for P+3DCRT (p = 0.01).Reported mucus loss was 36% versus 26% (p = 0.3), 54% (p = 0.06) and 58% (p = 0.02), respectively. Differences between IMRT and IG-IMRT were small and non-significant (+/-3%).Less VMAT patients reported ≥1 and ≥2 complaints (Table): these differences were statistically significant compared to 3DCRT techniques, but not compared to IMRT groups. In general, the reduction in rectal dose caused by the introduction of IMRT, IG-IMRT and VMAT has led to a reduction in acute GI toxicity. Ata slightly higher dose rate per week, VMAT patients reported lower blood loss and significant lower diarrhea rates but non-significant higher mucus loss rates compared to IMRT. We aim at including another 60 VMAT patients to establish current toxicity levels more accurately.

Sedative and anesthetic activities of the essential oils of Hyptis mutabilis (Rich.) Briq. and their isolated components in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen).

This study evaluated the sedative and anesthetic effects of the essential oils (EO) of Hyptis mutabilis (Rich.) Briq. and their isolated components on silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen). Quantitative chemical differences between the EOs obtained from leaves and inflorescences were verified, and a new chemotype rich in globulol was described. Although there were no significant differences in the time of induction for sedation and anesthesia between the EOs, only the leaf EO at 344 mg/L anesthetized all fish without side effects. Fractionation of the leaf EO was carried out by column chromatography. The isolated compounds [(+)-1-terpinen-4-ol and (-)-globulol] showed different activity from that detected for the leaf EO in proportional concentrations and similar sedation to a eugenol control at 10 mg/L. However, fish exposed to 1-terpinen-4-ol (3 and 10 mg/L) did not remain sedated for 30 min. Anesthesia was obtained with 83-190 mg/L globulol, but animals showed loss of mucus during induction and mortality at these concentrations. Synergism of the depressor effects was detected with the association of globulol and benzodiazepine (BDZ), compared with either drug alone. Fish exposed to BDZ or globulol+BDZ association showed faster recovery from anesthesia in water containing flumazenil, but the same did not occur with globulol. In conclusion, the use of globulol in aquaculture procedures should be considered only at sedative concentrations of 10 and 20 mg/L, and its mechanism of action seems not to involve the GABAA-BDZ system.

Anesthetic activity of Brazilian native plants in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen)

There is an increasing demand for inexpensive and safe anesthetics that can reduce fish stress caused by some procedures such as capture and handling. In this context, the present study evaluated the potential of essential oils (EO) of three Brazilian native plants (Hesperozygis ringens, Lippia sidoides and Ocotea acutifolia) as anesthetics for the silver catfish - Rhamdia quelen. Moreover, an analysis was made of the chemical composition of these oils and their influence on stress parameter. EO of H. ringens and O. acutifolia were effective as anesthetics, without behavioral side effects. EO of O. acutifolia (150 µL L-1) promoted an increase in blood glucose level. Regarding to the composition, pulegone accounts for 96.63% of the EO of H. ringens, and caryophyllene oxide amounts to 56.90% of the EO of O. acutifolia. Two chemotypes, thymol and carvacrol (68.40% and 67.89%, respectively) were verified for EO of L. sidoides. Both samples of EO of L. sidoides showed anesthetic activity in silver catfish, but exposure also caused loss of mucus and mortality. Thus, only the EO of H. ringens and O. acutifolia are advised for anesthetic use

Effects of Coptidis Rhizoma Herbal Acupuncture Extract on the Acute Gastric Mucosal Lesion Progression Induced by Compound 48/80 in Rats

Objectives : Coptidis Rhizoma has been used for stomach disease. However, its property is so cold that it might be avoided to prescribe for the elderly and the infirm having indigestion or diarrhea. Accordingly, the present study was designed to investigate the protective effects of Coptidis Rhizoma herbal acupuncture extract against acute gastric mucosal lesions induced by compound 48/80 in rats. Methods : The Coptidis Rhizoma herbal acupuncture (CRHA) was injected in Choksamni and Chungwan 1 h before compound 48/80 treatment. The animals were sacrificed under anesthesia 3 h after compound 48/80 treatment. The stomachs were removed and the amount of gastric adherent mucus, gastric mucosal hexosamine, SOD, XO, TBARS and histological examination were performed. Results : The decline of gastric adherent mucus, gastric mucosal hexosamine and the histological defects of gastric mucus were significantly protected by CRHA treatment. Gastric adherent mucus in control group was reduced to <TEX>$38.2{\pm}5.0%$</TEX>. CRHA groups significantly protected the loss of mucus to <TEX>$77.5{\pm}4.9%$</TEX>. Mucosal hexosamine content showed similar patterns. Mucosal hexosamine content in control group was reduced to <TEX>$45.2{\pm}6.2%$</TEX>. CRHA groups significantly protected the loss of mucus to <TEX>$83.0{\pm}7.0%$</TEX>. The changes of gastric mucosal SOD and TBARS were recovered by CRHA treatment as well. Conclusions : CRHA showed the protective effects on the acute gastric mucosal lesions induced by compound 48/80 in rats. These results suggest that CRHA may have protective effects on the gastritis.

Lubiprostone stimulates small intestinal mucin release

BackgroundLubiprostone is a synthetic bicyclic fatty acid derivative of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) used for chronic constipation. The best known action of lubiprostone is simulation of Cl- dependent fluid secretion. In a mouse model of the genetic disease cystic fibrosis, we previously showed that in vivo administration of lubiprostone resulted in greater mucus accumulation in the small intestine. The aim of this study was to directly test whether lubiprostone stimulates intestinal mucin release.MethodsMucin release was measured by mounting segments (4-5 cm) of mouse proximal-mid small intestine in an organ bath, allowing access to the perfusate (luminal) and the bath (serosal) solutions. Nifedipine (10-6 M) and indomethacin (10-5 M) were included in all solutions to inhibit smooth muscle activity and endogenous prostaglandin production, respectively. The tissue was equilibrated under flow for 30 min, using the perfusate collected during the final 10 min of the equilibration period to measure unstimulated release rate. Stimulus was then added to either the perfusate or the bath and the perfusate was collected for another 30 min to measure the stimulated mucin release rate. Mucin in perfusates was quantified by periodic acid-Schiff's base dot-blot assay, using purified pig gastric mucin as a standard.ResultsWhen applied luminally at 1 μM lubiprostone was ineffective at stimulating mucin release. When added to the serosal solution, 1 μM lubiprostone stimulated mucin release to ~300% of the unstimulated rate. As a positive control, serosal 1 μM prostaglandin E2 increased mucin release to ~400% of the unstimulated rate.ConclusionsThese results support the idea that lubiprostone has prostaglandin-like actions on the intestine, which includes stimulation of mucin release. Stimulation of mucin release by lubiprostone may be protective in gastrointestinal conditions where loss of mucus is believed to contribute to pathogenesis. Thus, in addition to chronic constipation, there is greater potential for the therapeutic applications of lubiprostone.

Efficacy of oral praziquantel treatment against the skin fluke infection of cultured chub mackerel, Scomber japonicus

Outbreaks of skin flukes and associated mortalities have been observed in cultured chub mackerel, Scomber japonicus. Although freshwater bathing effectively removes the parasites, large post-treatment mortalities are occasionally observed especially under high water temperature conditions due to the stress from handling and confinement. Since outbreaks of the skin fluke infections often occur in high temperature seasons, development of an effective and safe control method is essential for the advancement of mackerel aquaculture. The present study aims to: 1) identify the skin fluke of cultured chub mackerel and 2) develop an alternative control measure using oral drug administration. The skin fluke was identified as Neobenedenia girellae by morphology and molecular data targeting ITS region of rDNA. Two trials of oral administration of praziquantel (PZQ), a common anthelmintic, were conducted and parasite intensity was compared before and after the treatment and between treated and untreated control fish. Fish rejected PZQ-coated commercial pellets, but oral administration was successfully achieved using frozen krill as a basal diet. The three-day administration with a dose of 150 mg·kg −1 BW·day −1 resulted in over 80% reduction in worm intensity. However, some proportion of the skin flukes survived the drug treatment. The resistance to PZQ does not relate to worm's developmental stage. Freshwater bathing was more effective and eradicated the parasite, but some post-treatment mortality of host fish was observed. Moreover, the parasite intensity drastically increased after the freshwater bathing, possibly due to stress and loss of mucus during the bathing. The study indicates the PZQ oral treatment is effective to control N. girellae in chub mackerel aquaculture when the drug is properly administrated with an appropriate feeding technique.

A Fatal Switch for Corals?

A Fatal Switch for Corals?

Algumas considerações sobre a retite actínica

The article “Rectal dose assessment in patients submitted to high-dose-ratebrachytherapy for uterine cervix cancer” published in the present issue of RadiologiaBrasileira deals with a relevant theme currently discussed in radiotherapy and oncology.Radiation proctitis is condition of the rectum caused by ionizing radiation. It maybe acute (arising during or right after radiation therapy), and in these case is generallyself-limited. Symptoms of acute proctitis are diarrhea, eventual bleeding, mucus lossor constipation.Histological changes are limited to the mucosa, and the cells with a more rapidturnover are the most sensitive ones.Late radiation proctitis may occur up to two years after radiation therapy withmore severe symptoms: mucus loss, pain, rectal urgency, bleeding, ulceration, stenosisand even rectovaginal fistulas. In late radiation proctitis, histological findingscorrespond to changes of vascular nature and fibrosis of the subintimal layer.Radiation proctitis severity is directly proportional to the dose received and dosevolume, as well as to the number of fractions and the length of the interval betweenthem. It is this dose limitation (both in radiotherapy and chemotherapy) that producesbetter or worst results in the management of cancer.Radiation proctitis has been known for more than one century, but factorsdetermining a worsening in the prognosis such as association with other diseases(diabetes, hypertension, collagen diseases, etc.) have only recently been confirmed.Wherever possible, the treatment for radiation proctitis should be conservative.In the acute phase of the disease, symptomatic medication is generally enough to relievethe symptoms. The discomfort can be relieved with corticoid retention enema, besidesthe utilization of sulphasalazine. Major bleedings can be managed with argon lasertherapy. Although criticized by some authors, the utilization of hyperbaric oxygentherapy may also be useful. Colostomy should be the last resource to be adopted, inmost resistant cases